Improve Leadership with your Dog
Almost one hundred percent of a dog's recall has to do with who he knows is in charge. When a dog has a strong and firm leader he almost always comes when he is called because he knows that you are in command and he trusts you. Remember that being a good leader does not mean that you have to bully or be forceful to your dog. As a matter a fact true leaders never have to force their dogs. Leadership means setting rules and limits to what a dog is permitted to do and what is not. Creating rules is necessary if you are to have your dog do what you want. A good master controls the resources that his or her dog has the right to use, for example, food, getting to go outside, the amount of interest and warmth you give him, his space, etc. Leadership means that you are the first, that you are more powerful and that you are in charge. What you say is what goes, not what your dog says. Count a number of seconds when you give your dog a command. If he does not respond within the time frame that you gave him, do not give him his reward. Don't forget to reward him though if he has good behavior and responds to you.
Since you are the leader, you have the control over your dog by giving him and allowing him to do things. When you are having problems with him, you must be stricter with him and enforce him to obey. Then when he starts obeying and acts in a better manner you can then relax a little without losing your position as a leader. Just like with a child who is able to stay up late during weekends but on weekdays he or she knows that they must go to bed on time.
